I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good: Private Message to Dux

Hullo, Love,

I'm sorry I wasn't able to fetch you from your Defence lesson this morning. Professor Dolohov held me back after class--well, you know he does have an intolerable way of asking me a question just as we're trying to pack up and leave--and this time I couldn't put him off with a quick answer. He asked me to stay and go over my essay with him, point by point. And made certain I could name every counter-jinx 'for the sake of thorough understanding of his own dear subject,' so he said, but of course it was obvious he wants to make sure I'm absorbing Defence despite that bally well useless textbook.

The only bright side is that he had the elves bring us lunch (and it wasn't what the halfbloods have been served lately, either, what!). But I've a feeling it shan't be the last time he keeps me from walking you down to the Great Hall.

But I shall see you this afternoon, anyway. I say, I hope he doesn't think that I'm hanging about in the corridor to talk to him again, what!


Also. I feel as though I haven't said lately: I love you so much. I can't think what this place would be like this year without you.

-Justin